Care UK teams up with Great British Bake Off star for Stir-up Sunday

Company news

Nov 13, 2015

Residents from Care UK homes across the country have got their mixing bowls and wooden spoons at the ready for a festive stir-up on the traditional day for making Christmas puddings, Stir-up Sunday.

The Care UK team has joined forces with former Great British Bake Off finalist, Brendan Lynch, ahead of the big day on Sunday 22 November, with Brendan creating a Christmas pudding recipe especially for the occasion.

On the day, the kitchen and activity teams in many of Care UK’s 114 care homes will be using the special recipe to cook with residents. Everyone will have a chance to stir as they make the festive dessert by mixing together ingredients such as mixed peel, raisins and glacé cherries.

Stir-up Sunday, which takes place on the last Sunday before advent, is traditionally the day when families and friends gather together to stir-up their Christmas pudding and make a wish, leaving plenty of time for the pudding to mature before Christmas Day.

Jon Bicknell, food and service director at Care UK, said: “Stir-up Sunday provides Care UK teams and residents with a wonderful opportunity to take part in a tradition which also encompasses all the benefits of baking. Reminiscence activities such as baking are so important for older people, especially for those living with dementia, as the familiar scents and tastes can evoke happy memories from the past.

“We always take the time to celebrate special days and we like to ensure all residents feel at home by keeping to any traditions they may have. Stir-up Sunday is an important milestone in the lead up to Christmas and we are all very excited to use Brendan’s recipe to create a delicious pudding for many residents to enjoy.”

Commenting on his passion for baking and inspiring older people to take up the hobby, Brendan said: “I’m a strong believer in the therapeutic benefits of baking for older people and combining this with a traditional occasion such as Stir-up Sunday can create a calm and comforting environment for all involved.

“The process of mixing certain ingredients and the smells associated with baking a Christmas pudding can trigger memories and nostalgic feelings from Stir-up Sunday’s of the past, conjuring up happy times spent with family and friends.

“Since my youth baking has been an important part of my life. In times of stress and worry I would often use baking as a way to relax. Now I hope to give older people the inspiration to give it a try and see the benefits for themselves.”

Care UK’s Christmas pudding recipe can be downloaded at careuk.com/stirupsunday